Senator Nelson introduces pay freeze legislation

Senator Ben Nelson today introduced legislation on Capitol Hill that would freeze the salaries of all 535 members of Congress. The salary freeze applies for fiscal year 2011 that begins on October 1st and if economic conditions don’t get better, Nelson says the freeze could be extended.

Senator Nelson says that since many people in Nebraska have not received a pay increase in quite some time, Congress members should not expect one either. Nelson is hoping that his legislation will be voted on soon and that it will receive overwhelming support.

Senator Nelson also stated that his current salary is over $170,000. When asked if that amount was excessive, Senator Nelson responded that it is a costly venture to be a member of Congress and that many lawmakers sleep in their office or share apartments in Washington D-C. He says members must maintain a presence in Washington as well as their home state. He did state the salary was substantial but not “too much”.